A rare and magnificent 1932 Delage D8 S Roadster by Marcel Pourtout is set to take center stage at RM Sotheby’s Monterey Auction in 2024. With an estimated value between $4,000,000 and $6,000,000 USD, this extraordinary pre-war French automobile is one of only 99 D8 S examples ever produced and features unique coachwork by one of France’s most esteemed carrossiers.
The Delage D8 S, produced during the height of France’s Classic Era, is renowned for its exceptional blend of performance, engineering, and elegance. The D8 S was a pinnacle of automotive design, powered by a competition-bred 4.0-liter, eight-cylinder engine that delivered 118 brake horsepower at 3,800 rpm. Built on a shortened chassis to optimize maneuverability and reduce weight, the D8 S was engineered for speed and durability, featuring innovations like a Delage-exclusive oil-cooled intake system to prevent carburetor icing.
What truly sets this particular D8 S apart is its bodywork by Marcel Pourtout. Chassis number 36009 is clothed in a striking design that exemplifies the best of pre-war French automotive art. The car’s proportions are dramatic, with a long hoodline, flowing fenders, and a low-cut windshield that measures just five inches in height. The absence of excessive chrome trim allows the car’s clean, powerful lines to speak for themselves, making it a masterpiece of minimalist design.
The history of this Delage D8 S is as fascinating as its design. Originally delivered to a French actor in 1932, the car was later acquired in 1936 by Gaston Forgues, a talented young engineer. Remarkably, the car survived World War II unscathed, remaining carefully stored throughout the conflict. After the war, it was returned to the road under the ownership of Forgues’s business, la Compagnie des Etudes et Réalisations Industrielles (C.E.R.I.), before being put into storage again in 1952.
In 1980, Forgues’s son, Gérard, commissioned a full restoration of the car, ensuring that it retained its original color and mechanical integrity. The restoration work was undertaken by skilled craftsmen, including Mr. Vernhès for the body and mechanicals and Oppenot for the upholstery. The car was exhibited at the Centre National de l’Automobile à Pantin before being acquired by its current owners in 1995, where it has remained for nearly 30 years.
The 1932 Delage D8 S Roadster by Pourtout is a highly original example, retaining its original chassis, engine, and body. It has had only three owners since 1936, and its provenance is well-documented and outstanding. Accompanying the car is a comprehensive history file, including historical images and documentation assembled by Delage historian Daniel Cabart.
Having been unshown for decades, this Delage D8 S represents a rare and exciting opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Whether enjoyed as a superb touring automobile or restored for competition at major concours d’elegance, this car is sure to be a highlight of any collection.
THE ANNUAL RETURN TO MONTEREY CAR WEEK, WHERE EXEMPLARY, REMARKABLE, AND RARE ARE THE RULE WITHOUT EXCEPTIONS
Fewer collaborations or duos as notable as, say, Laurel and Hardy, Schumacher and Ferrari, or even Mercedes-Benz and AMG grace our paths. But one dynamic duo continues its annual return to California’s Monterey Peninsula for its 27th year: Monterey Car Week and RM Sotheby’s Monterey Auction held on August 15-17.
2023’s auction brought the much-storied Lost and Found Collection, the ultimate barn find of 20 Ferraris lost to time, including the 1954 Ferrari Mondial Spider Series I by Pinin Farina, which as the second Mondial ever made, even in its stripped-down and fire-stricken condition, made waves in the automotive circles and press when it earned 1.875 million at auction.
Over the course of the 2023 Monterey Car Week, RM Sotheby’s sold five of the top 10 selling cars of the week– more than any other auction house on the peninsula. It further solidifies our commitment to bringing to market pristine and exemplary automobiles as the world’s leading auction house, during a week dedicated to showcasing the very best of the best. Find us again at the Monterey Conference Center for another year of exceptional offerings crossing the block.
AUCTION LOCATION
Monterey Conference Center
1 Portola Plaza
Monterey, CA 93940
PUBLIC PREVIEW
Admission to Public Preview is $60 per person for the weekend. Passes can be purchased onsite at the entrance to the plaza.
Admission to Public Preview is free for onsite bidders, consignors, and qualified media.
Elizabeth Puckett